10 reasons Oklahoma can win

[instigator]

according to Pete Fiutak.

It's nice to read about why we'll win from somewhere else.

http://msn.foxsports.com/cfb/story/8951852/10-reasons-Oklahoma-can-win?CMP=OTC-K9B140813162&ATT=24

[Desert Sapper]

Isn't Dan Mullen supposed to still be there for the game?

[instigator]

Isn't Dan Mullen supposed to still be there for the game?

Yeah, but that was just reported this afternoon so this was probably written before that.

[IronSoonerMan]

Florida knew it wasn't going to need 45 points to stay with Alabama. Forty-five might not get past the maitre'd against OU.

Exactly!

[delhalew]

We've been saying for a while. The national media needs to hush. I would hate it if FLA were to actually take us seriously.

[Crucifax Autumn]

Good stuff.

[sooner2b09]

We've been saying for a while. The national media needs to hush. I would hate it if FLA were to actually take us seriously.

I agree. Even though I hate losing Murray and Granger, it could make the line go up and make the national media start favoring Florida even more. Which would make us even bigger underdogs. And we all know how good Stoops is at firing a team up when he plays the underdog card. See NC game in 2000 and T-Tech this year.

[oumartin]

I got the shakes just reading that. I certainly hope OU shows up

[swardboy]

Logic is powerful stuff...

[HBick]

Hopefully we can use this to our advantage. FYI it's finals week here on campus, but as I was heading to Campus Corner yesterday morning at about 10:30, I got stopped by security guards because about 40 football players had to cross Jenkins. Makes me proud of them to know they are still practicing while the rest of campus is cramming for finals.

[1890MilesToNorman]

No way we can win, sagittarius is all over the crab sign and the twins are making out too. Lioness is in heat and the age of aquarius is out of sinc. You guys are nuts. :eek:

[OUinFLA]

can you introduce me to Lioness?

[Dan Thompson]

I feel better already.

[Boomer Mooner]

Hopefully we can use this to our advantage. FYI it's finals week here on campus, but as I was heading to Campus Corner yesterday morning at about 10:30, I got stopped by security guards because about 40 football players had to cross Jenkins. Makes me proud of them to know they are still practicing while the rest of campus is cramming for finals.

Been 20 years since my last final at OU and still makes me tired just thinking about it.

Good luck.

[1890MilesToNorman]

can you introduce me to Lioness?

Nope, but she does run the option!

[tulsaoilerfan]

The most telling thing in that article is that 6 SEC offenses finished 97th or lower, 7 were 94th or lower in passing, and 7 were 87th or lower in scoring; so how do you Florida fans spin those stats?

[olevetonahill]

The # ONE reason we will Win .
Bob Stoops
Any idjits think He wont have this TEAM Prepared ?;)

[cheezyq]

Logic is powerful stuff...

So, so true. Unfortunately the UF fans can't come up with anything more logical than, "dammit, we're in the SEC and all our players are fast and we should be in the NFL!"

[Knippz]

For those who are too lazy to click a link:
(And so we can quote the article...)

10. Dan Mullen
It's never a plus when there's a coaching change before a big game like this. The media likes to make a lot out of the idea of distractions, and almost all of the theories are full of beans. Almost nothing fazes players who are so used to their regular routine. However, losing the offensive coordinator is one thing that really does screw things up. Now there's a question about who'll be doing the play-calling for the Gators, if Mullen, who'll be the new head coach at Mississippi State, will have any role in the attack, and Tim Tebow appears to be a bit rattled over losing the guy who helped him become a superstar.

9. Does Florida really have the firepower?
Florida has a tremendous attack, finishing third in the nation in scoring and first in the SEC in total offense. However, Oklahoma was playing at another level at the end of the year. Even if the Gators go on a run, the Sooners have shown the ability to answer every challenge since the loss to Texas. Most importantly, they've been able to take teams out of their game plans as teams have to adjust and press a little bit more knowing that they might have to keep up in a shootout. Florida knew it wasn't going to need 45 points to stay with Alabama. Forty-five might not get past the maitre'd against OU.

8. SEC offenses were really that bad, and the defenses just weren't that great
The SEC's defensive statistics look great, and while Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina and Ole Miss really could play a little D, they were helped immeasurably by the horrendous SEC attacks. Offensively, this was an abysmal year. Chalk it up to injuries (Kentucky), inexperience in key spots (LSU), poor planning and coaching (Auburn), the loss of a key coordinator (Tennessee), turnovers (South Carolina), adjustment periods (Ole Miss and Arkansas) or just a world of bad (Vanderbilt and Mississippi State), but the offenses had issues. The SEC defenses were fine, but they were hardly killers compared to past seasons. Six SEC offenses, half the league, finished 97th in the nation or lower, seven finished 94th or lower in passing and seven finished 87th or lower in scoring. In other words, Florida's defense, as good as it might appear, didn't exactly deal with the Big 12 South.

7. Oklahoma's defense is just fine
The Sooner D gets a bad rap because it had problems in the second half against Texas when LB Ryan Reynolds got knocked out with a knee injury. The pass rush is tremendous, cranking out 42 sacks, and the defense forces takeaways with 32 on the year. Wake Forest led the way with 35. Most of the yards and points allowed came late in games or against teams that had to pull out its "A" game just to try to keep up the unrelenting pace. Texas did a great job in the second half and Oklahoma State and Kansas were able to keep up for several laps, but few other teams came close to putting up meaningful points. Texas A&M was down, 28-0, before it started scoring. Nebraska was down, 35-0, before it got on the board and started rolling. OU got up, 28-7, on Kansas State and was up, 52-7, on Texas Tech before anything worked for Graham Harrell. In other words, more often than not, the Sooner defense did what it needed to do, when it needed to do it.

6. Oklahoma's special teams are better than they get credit for being
The kickoff coverage team has been abysmal, allowing 24.05 yards per attempt and four touchdowns, most by anyone in the nation, and Florida's Brandon James is a special return man. However, OU's special teams aren't all that bad. The kickoff returners are averaging over 25 yards per try, the punt returners are fine, even though they could be better, and freshman Jimmy Stevens is a solid 8-of-11 on field goals. Florida has an advantage here, but it might not be enough to be the deciding factor.

5. The Sooner offensive line
Alabama's offensive line was effective against Florida, especially on what appeared to be the game-turning third-quarter drive that ate up most of the clock and the length of the field. Oklahoma's offensive front is better. It's brilliant in pass protection, helped by an offense that revolves around getting the ball out of Sam Bradford's hands in a hurry, and Florida's pass rush might be neutralized by the design of the Sooner attack. The front five has been phenomenal for the running game, paving the way for over 205 yards per game. Oklahoma can produce in a ground war or with the passing game. If the offense can get control of the game early, the line should be able to take care of the rest.

4. Julio Jones
The superstar Alabama freshman receiver caught five passes for 124 yards in the SEC title game. Florida was able to adjust and keep No. 8 in check, mostly because there wasn't much else to worry about in the Alabama passing game. It also helped that the Tide stopped throwing to him in key situations. Florida might be able to stop Juaquin Iglesias, but can it also stop Jermain Gresham? How about Manuel Johnson, Ryan Broyles and Chris Brown coming out of the backfield? The Gator D hasn't seen anything remotely like this OU offense when it comes to weapons.

3. 2008 Oklahoma isn't 2006 Ohio State
Ohio State simply didn't show up. Give Florida credit for winning the game, but several Buckeyes admitted they thought they could run out on the field and be handed the national championship. Forgetting that Oklahoma is the underdog, the last two Fiesta Bowls and a poor recent history should provide a little extra motivation. Because of all its weapons, OU can keep on rolling even if one piece of the puzzle is gone. Ohio State lost Ted Ginn early and never recovered, and making matters worse, the offensive line couldn't pass protect. The Sooners won't have those issues.

2. Tim Tebow
Tebow really is a special player. He's a better passer than he gets credit for. Those receivers were covered on his touchdown passes in the win over Alabama, and he's the consummate tough guy who'll run through a wall to get a win. However, from Colt McCoy to Graham Harrell to Robert Griffin to Todd Reesing to Chase Daniel to Josh Freeman to Joe Ganz to Zac Robinson, the Sooner defense is used to dealing with a top-shelf signal caller every week. Florida faced Matthew Stafford and forced three interceptions. The second best quarterback the Gators dealt with was ... John Parker Wilson? In a game like this, Tebow might want to do even more to put the entire offense on his shoulders, like he did in the SEC title game. Oklahoma's defense will revolve around covering Percy Harvin, letting Tebow try to pound the ball and taking chances against everyone else.

1. Sam Bradford
He isn't Jason White. Bradford is a top five-caliber draft pick who doesn't get rattled and took his offense to a level college football has never seen before with such a glaring spotlight on. TCU beat Bradford up and he still threw for 411 yards and four touchdowns. He got hurt against Oklahoma State and he still threw for 370 yards and four scores. He threw two interceptions against Texas, but he also threw for 387 yards and five touchdowns. The Heisman winner is a special talent who's good enough to rise up and produce when needed, and he's not going to make the big game-changing mistake. Yeah, Florida is No. 2 in the nation in turnover margin, but OU is No. 1 partly because Bradford has thrown one interception in the last eight games.

[OUmillenium]

Getting fired up. I knew I shouldn't have read that.

[Hot Rod]

Well, duh, I knew this already, but it's nice to be reminded. I'm on board and have been to celebrate at the end of the 4th on Jan. 8th.

Here's to our 8th!

[Circle City Gator]

10. Dan Mullen
... However, losing the offensive coordinator is one thing that really does screw things up. Now there's a question about who'll be doing the play-calling for the Gators, if Mullen, who'll be the new head coach at Mississippi State, will have any role in the attack, and Tim Tebow appears to be a bit rattled over losing the guy who helped him become a superstar.

Mullen will be calling the plays. That was announced a few days ago.


9. Does Florida really have the firepower?
Florida has a tremendous attack, finishing third in the nation in scoring and first in the SEC in total offense. However, Oklahoma was playing at another level at the end of the year. Even if the Gators go on a run, the Sooners have shown the ability to answer every challenge since the loss to Texas. Most importantly, they've been able to take teams out of their game plans as teams have to adjust and press a little bit more knowing that they might have to keep up in a shootout. Florida knew it wasn't going to need 45 points to stay with Alabama. Forty-five might not get past the maitre'd against OU.

Florida actually scores at the same rate as OU. Well, actually Florida scores more points per play, but has less plays per game. If each side scores at the same rate per possession, and they do, it comes down to defense, or a game of 'who has it last?'


8. SEC offenses were really that bad, and the defenses just weren't that great
The SEC's defensive statistics look great, and while Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina and Ole Miss really could play a little D, they were helped immeasurably by the horrendous SEC attacks. Offensively, this was an abysmal year. Chalk it up to injuries (Kentucky), inexperience in key spots (LSU), poor planning and coaching (Auburn), the loss of a key coordinator (Tennessee), turnovers (South Carolina), adjustment periods (Ole Miss and Arkansas) or just a world of bad (Vanderbilt and Mississippi State), but the offenses had issues. The SEC defenses were fine, but they were hardly killers compared to past seasons. Six SEC offenses, half the league, finished 97th in the nation or lower, seven finished 94th or lower in passing and seven finished 87th or lower in scoring. In other words, Florida's defense, as good as it might appear, didn't exactly deal with the Big 12 South.

Those low-ranking offensive teams are Tennessee (played them), Auburn (didn't play them), Mississippi State (didn't play them), Vanderbilt (played them), South Carolina (played them), Arkansas (played them), and Kentucky (played them). Florida also played Florida State (27th), Georgia (29th), Alabama (30th), Mississippi (32nd), LSU (35th) and Miami (47th).

Of course, the same argument goes in exactly the opposite direction, that Big 12 defenses "were fine, but they were hardly killers compared to past seasons." Texas A&M (116), Iowa State (113), Kansas State (112), Kansas (90), Baylor (89), Colorado (87), Nebraska (86), Missouri (76).


7. Oklahoma's defense is just fine
The Sooner D gets a bad rap because it had problems in the second half against Texas when LB Ryan Reynolds got knocked out with a knee injury. The pass rush is tremendous, cranking out 42 sacks, and the defense forces takeaways with 32 on the year. Wake Forest led the way with 35. Most of the yards and points allowed came late in games or against teams that had to pull out its "A" game just to try to keep up the unrelenting pace. Texas did a great job in the second half and Oklahoma State and Kansas were able to keep up for several laps, but few other teams came close to putting up meaningful points. Texas A&M was down, 28-0, before it started scoring. Nebraska was down, 35-0, before it got on the board and started rolling. OU got up, 28-7, on Kansas State and was up, 52-7, on Texas Tech before anything worked for Graham Harrell. In other words, more often than not, the Sooner defense did what it needed to do, when it needed to do it.

OH NOOOOOOZZ!!! Oklahoma's opponents brought their "A game." This is just a stretch.


6. Oklahoma's special teams are better than they get credit for being
The kickoff coverage team has been abysmal, allowing 24.05 yards per attempt and four touchdowns, most by anyone in the nation, and Florida's Brandon James is a special return man. However, OU's special teams aren't all that bad. The kickoff returners are averaging over 25 yards per try, the punt returners are fine, even though they could be better, and freshman Jimmy Stevens is a solid 8-of-11 on field goals. Florida has an advantage here, but it might not be enough to be the deciding factor.

Was this written before Murray's surgery?


5. The Sooner offensive line
Alabama's offensive line was effective against Florida, especially on what appeared to be the game-turning third-quarter drive that ate up most of the clock and the length of the field. Oklahoma's offensive front is better. It's brilliant in pass protection, helped by an offense that revolves around getting the ball out of Sam Bradford's hands in a hurry, and Florida's pass rush might be neutralized by the design of the Sooner attack. The front five has been phenomenal for the running game, paving the way for over 205 yards per game. Oklahoma can produce in a ground war or with the passing game. If the offense can get control of the game early, the line should be able to take care of the rest.

Alabama's offensive line was effective FOR ONE QUARTER. Did you notice the big "if"? "IF the offense can get control early ...." That's just stupid. It's like saying "IF OU scores more points, they'll win."


4. Julio Jones
The superstar Alabama freshman receiver caught five passes for 124 yards in the SEC title game. Florida was able to adjust and keep No. 8 in check, mostly because there wasn't much else to worry about in the Alabama passing game. It also helped that the Tide stopped throwing to him in key situations. Florida might be able to stop Juaquin Iglesias, but can it also stop Jermain Gresham? How about Manuel Johnson, Ryan Broyles and Chris Brown coming out of the backfield? The Gator D hasn't seen anything remotely like this OU offense when it comes to weapons.

That is the question for this game. It is also the first real ADVANTAGE, rather than mere verbage, in this entire diatribe.


3. 2008 Oklahoma isn't 2006 Ohio State
Ohio State simply didn't show up. Give Florida credit for winning the game, but several Buckeyes admitted they thought they could run out on the field and be handed the national championship. Forgetting that Oklahoma is the underdog, the last two Fiesta Bowls and a poor recent history should provide a little extra motivation. Because of all its weapons, OU can keep on rolling even if one piece of the puzzle is gone. Ohio State lost Ted Ginn early and never recovered, and making matters worse, the offensive line couldn't pass protect. The Sooners won't have those issues.

What a load of bs. Ohio State showed up, then they got shown up.


2. Tim Tebow
Tebow really is a special player. He's a better passer than he gets credit for. Those receivers were covered on his touchdown passes in the win over Alabama, and he's the consummate tough guy who'll run through a wall to get a win. However, from Colt McCoy to Graham Harrell to Robert Griffin to Todd Reesing to Chase Daniel to Josh Freeman to Joe Ganz to Zac Robinson, the Sooner defense is used to dealing with a top-shelf signal caller every week. Florida faced Matthew Stafford and forced three interceptions. The second best quarterback the Gators dealt with was ... John Parker Wilson? In a game like this, Tebow might want to do even more to put the entire offense on his shoulders, like he did in the SEC title game. Oklahoma's defense will revolve around covering Percy Harvin, letting Tebow try to pound the ball and taking chances against everyone else.

Tim Tebow is a reason OU will win?! Read this paragraph again. Does it really say anything? It goes from Tebow being really good to QBs the UF defense faced, to OU's focus on Harvin. On a side note, "taking chances against everyone else" is a darned good way to lose, given that be we beat 'Bama without Harvin. "Everyone else," in this case, is more than enough.


1. Sam Bradford
He isn't Jason White. Bradford is a top five-caliber draft pick who doesn't get rattled and took his offense to a level college football has never seen before with such a glaring spotlight on. TCU beat Bradford up and he still threw for 411 yards and four touchdowns. He got hurt against Oklahoma State and he still threw for 370 yards and four scores. He threw two interceptions against Texas, but he also threw for 387 yards and five touchdowns. The Heisman winner is a special talent who's good enough to rise up and produce when needed, and he's not going to make the big game-changing mistake. Yeah, Florida is No. 2 in the nation in turnover margin, but OU is No. 1 partly because Bradford has thrown one interception in the last eight games.

Bradford is very good, and is the second real advantage in this entire article.

But don't worry, this week he will write something equally stupid about why Florida will win. The bottom line is that the team that protects the quarterback and establishes the run will win. The key will be cornerbacks maintaing coverage long enough for the defensive line to reach the QB, and linebackers containing the run without getting burned by two very good tight ends. Everything else is just a stupid list.

[BornandBred]

Tim Tebow is a reason OU will win?! Read this paragraph again. Does it really say anything?

It's more of a counter to an argument as to why Florida will win. It's saying that Tebow is good, but we've faced other good QB's. We faced better, in fact. I give Tebow all the credit in the world for being a leader, but I'd put McCoy, Booger Daniel, and Robinson in the same league as Tebow. I'd even rank McCoy above Tebow in 'Threat Level'. Yeah, I know, McCoy beat us. But if you look at that game, we had a 2 score lead and they had negative yards rushing until our MLB got broke and their run game took off. It wasn't McCoy that did it.

I think it all comes down to a question of O-lines: who's can protect best? I think we have the edge there. If you have to bring a LB to get pressure, I think you'll be in trouble. We, on the other hand, have done a fair job recently getting pressure with just our front 4, but then mix up blitzes. The only complaint I have is that the scheme is too predictable. We ALWAYS bring 2 extra on 3rd and mid-to-long. If you can exploit that, WE may be in trouble. So, for me, it's the D-line vs O-line that will decide this game.

[odern]

I suppose 9 reasons aren't too bad.

I would hate to be given the assignment to write 10 reasons why either team would win. How could Tebow be a reason Oklahoma "wins"? Was this columnist digging deep or what?

[Circle City Gator]

It's more of a counter to an argument as to why Florida will win. It's saying that Tebow is good, but we've faced other good QB's. We faced better, in fact. I give Tebow all the credit in the world for being a leader, but I'd put McCoy, Booger Daniel, and Robinson in the same league as Tebow. I'd even rank McCoy above Tebow in 'Threat Level'. Yeah, I know, McCoy beat us. But if you look at that game, we had a 2 score lead and they had negative yards rushing until our MLB got broke and their run game took off. It wasn't McCoy that did it.

I think it all comes down to a question of O-lines: who's can protect best? I think we have the edge there. If you have to bring a LB to get pressure, I think you'll be in trouble. We, on the other hand, have done a fair job recently getting pressure with just our front 4, but then mix up blitzes. The only complaint I have is that the scheme is too predictable. We ALWAYS bring 2 extra on 3rd and mid-to-long. If you can exploit that, WE may be in trouble. So, for me, it's the D-line vs O-line that will decide this game.

Thank you for a reasoned and reasonable response.

It's funny, everybody facing Tebow goes into the game thinking he's good, but not great, and that ______ was better. Then they come out of the game saying "that's the best football player I ever saw."

I think you're right on the O-lines, but don't see either team as having an advantage there. It's true that if we have to consistently bring LBs, we lose. However, that is true of you, too. Either way, it opens the middle and short flats to slot guys and tight ends, strenghts for both teams. I suspect, when we look at the number of January 9, that yards after catch might be the most important statistic.

[Okie35]

Thank you for a reasoned and reasonable response.

It's funny, everybody facing Tebow goes into the game thinking he's good, but not great, and that ______ was better. Then they come out of the game saying "that's the best football player I ever saw."

I think you're right on the O-lines, but don't see either team as having an advantage there. It's true that if we have to consistently bring LBs, we lose. However, that is true of you, too. Either way, it opens the middle and short flats to slot guys and tight ends, strenghts for both teams. I suspect, when we look at the number of January 9, that yards after catch might be the most important statistic.

he's not that great, hes good but as far as competitiveness hes top notch... and im sure NOT everyone has said he's the best football player they've seen... its hard to hate him or even think about him because hes a good person more so than football player...

[bmjlr]

I just crapped my pants.

[Knippz]

I just crapped my pants.

So you just heard about Florida's speed too, huh?

[BornandBred]

It's funny, everybody facing Tebow goes into the game thinking he's good, but not great, and that ______ was better. Then they come out of the game saying "that's the best football player I ever saw."
That may be true, he may end up being one of the best OU has faced this year, or any for a while. But we won't know until the game. I think he has over achieved in college ball because he's a hell of a competitor, strong between the ears, and a solid athlete. I think he will have a good game, but it still won't be enough. 'Course, I'm a homer and will always think OU can/will win.



I think you're right on the O-lines, but don't see either team as having an advantage there. It's true that if we have to consistently bring LBs, we lose. However, that is true of you, too. Either way, it opens the middle and short flats to slot guys and tight ends, strenghts for both teams. I suspect, when we look at the number of January 9, that yards after catch might be the most important statistic.

YAC is always an important stat. But if you look at who we've held relatively quite, Crabtree and Bryant, I think our D will be OK. I don't even think we'll need to get out of our standard looks, 'cept maybe go to a nickle package most of the game, but even that's not too far from where we play our best.

[HiFiGator]

What a somewhat misleading title.

Ten reasons ???? That should read: Ten questionmarks heading into the Title game.

10. I agree that losing Dan Mullen is at least a major distraction. That could certainly work in your favor. On the other hand, once kickoff comes, there will be added motivation to win for the departing OC as well. Mullen is very well liked among the players. Still, I admit that it is certainly a distraction.

9. Does Florida have the firepower? I'm not really sure how to respond to this. There is little question that Florida has a potent offense. While the same can be said of OU, it's certainly reasonable to think that Florida put up their numbers against better defenses on average. The Florida offense is certainly not a "strength" for Oklahoma.

8. This could be a legitimate plus for OU, in that Florida hasn't faced as many competitive offensive units. Point taken.

7. The OU defensive line is decent at best, and that is when they are 100%. The recent injuries only worsen what is a relative weakness, not a strength of the team. This too is certainly not a positive for OU.

6. That is some screwy logic. He essentially says that they don't suck quite a bad as some suggest. Add to this the loss of Murray, and special teams certainly tilt dramatically to Florida's side.

5. If anything, this is a question mark for the Sooners, not a weakness for UF. Whether or not OU can slow down Florida's pass rush and open lanes for their dwindling stable of backs is once again, not a positive for OR.

4. If OU had Julio Jones then this would be a strength, but to point out someone else and then suggest that for no reason, that he's a strength for the Sooners is just silly.

3. OU might not be Ohio St., but if that game has any impact, then you would have to say that it would be as serving for experience for Jan 8th. That experience can only help.

2. The fact that Florida has a great QB in Tebow is certainly not a strenght and positive for OU at all. That is just silly reasoning.

1. No argument that Bradford is a great QB. I will accept this reason. Heck, 2 out of 10 aren't bad.

[BornandBred]

7. The OU defensive line is decent at best, and that is when they are 100%. The recent injuries only worsen what is a relative weakness, not a strength of the team. This too is certainly not a positive for OU.

I admit we're oft injured at the D-line, but we're also 3rd in the country in sacks(40) while being depleted all year. You underestimate our pass rush. Florida ranks a respectable 21st(32). I hope your coaches do the same.

[BornandBred]

*duplicate post

[OUMallen]

The bottom line is that the team that protects the quarterback and establishes the run will win.


Wrong. OU is in much better shape to win if we don't establish a strong running game. OU doesn't NEED to establish the run to win. We're not a grind-the-clock kind of team that gets crippled if we can't run early. We actually can pass to establish the run. I doubt UF can say the same thing.

Protecting the QB- yup. O-Line play on both sides and timings of blitzes will be key for both teams.

[Sooner13]

It's quite a stretch to say our D-Line is a weakness considering we are 3rd in the nation in sacks..

[HiFiGator]

I admit we're oft injured at the D-line, but we're also 3rd in the country in sacks(40) while being depleted all year. You underestimate our pass rush. Florida ranks a respectable 21st(32). I hope your coaches do the same.


That particulare stat is inflated a bit. While I'm not taking anything away from your D-line, absolute numbers in that regard don't tell the whole story. Your offense has been so potent that other teams have been forced to play from behind or just try to keep up, thereby throwing the ball a lot more. The more pass plays you run, the more sacks you will give up. Additionally, the whole style of play in the Big 12 is conducive to passing stats, and therefore sacks as well. I don't have the numbers in front of me, but I wonder how the tackles for losses might stack up. TFL's on running plays would presumably go down as passing plays go up. Just curious ...

Finally, you all seem to be dismissing our lines of scrimmage. We are very, very good up front on both sides of the ball. Our offensive line is the best, probably since 1984, which was nick-named the Great Wall of Florida. It featured 4 starters that went on to lengthy NFL careers, including 2 All-Pros and 1 likely Hall of Famer. This line is equally talented. Only time will tell if they become as decorated, but Jim Tartt, Phil Troutwein, Carl Johnson, Michael and Markice Pauncey and others form a major strength of the team. We have been fortunate on the injury scale this season, but we are a serious 2 deep across the line anyway. On the defensive side, we have been banged up a bit, but again we are 2-3 deep at all positions. Pay special attention to #8, Carlos Dunlap. He has really blossomed the second half of the season. He is a freak because of his strength and speed combination -- nicknamed the Freak II, after Jevon Kearse. And those of you who follow the NFL know all about that monster. Dunlap is of the same mold. The guy returned kickoffs in high school for pete's sake!

The point is that our lines of scrimmage on both sides of the ball are tremendous strength of the team. I don't give you the edge on either one. Going into the Bama game, they were thought to be the more physical team. Even without our major playmaker, we dispelled that theory. I think the best you could hope for is a push. But what I see happening is our D-linemen getting past your O-line in much the same way that Derrick Harvey and company made it a very long night for Troy Smith and Ohio State.

[OUMallen]

Finally, you all seem to be dismissing our lines of scrimmage.

No we're not; we just refuse to suck you off like everyone else has all year because of our sack stats and our ridiculously badass (read: better than yours) offensive line. Doesn't mean we don't respect you. We just think we are capable of kicking the crap out of you.

[HiFiGator]

Mallen, we have an expression down here: BIO. No, it's not short for biorythem or some other silly mysticism. It is an acronym for Bring It On! I think there's not much to be said on this topic.

Going into the SEC title game, all of the fuss was about how powerful and physical Bama's offensive line was. Well that just didn't turn out to be the case. Two years ago, all the talk was about how the Buckeyes large offensive line was going to push around our undersized D-linemen. Heisman winning Troy Smith, play-makers Ted Ginn Jr. and Gonzalez were going to have a field day and those two powerful backs were going to run at will. Hell, we didn't even deserve to be in the game. Ohio State and Michigan were clearly the two best teams right? The deal is that we are a very similar team defensively, with a much more potent offense at virtually every position. You just don't understand how good this team is. Oh well: BIO!

[BornandBred]

Statistically the OU D line is better than the UF D line, look it up. We have more sacks and equivalent TFL numbers. We also have 3 pass rushers in the top 100 sack leaders, UF has 2, one being Dunlap who has a sack or two more than our leader Beal. He's legit, no doubt.

I will, however, grant the argument that teams were playing behind against us and we could pin our ears back. But the same could, for the most part, be said about UF.

I simply took offense at the statement that the D-line was 'decent at best'. When that has been one of the bright points on our much criticized defense. Because, statistically, if our is decent at best, yours is poor at best. I don't think that's the case for either team, however. I think both are deep and have great athletes. Jeremy Beal will give Tebow fits, much in the same way Dunlap will be on Sammy's radar.

[Jortstified]

Florida's D-line better? Just because statistically the overall defense appears better, you've given up less points per game and have the #1 pass efficiency defense rating...doesn't make your D better. We score 60 a game! LOL!!!

[sooner2b09]

Tim Tebow = Tyler Hansbrough

Both great college competitors and leaders, and both aren't going to be as good in the pros as they are in college

[OUMallen]

Mallen, we have an expression down here: BIO. No, it's not short for biorythem or some other silly mysticism. It is an acronym for Bring It On! I think there's not much to be said on this topic.

Going into the SEC title game, all of the fuss was about how powerful and physical Bama's offensive line was. Well that just didn't turn out to be the case. Two years ago, all the talk was about how the Buckeyes large offensive line was going to push around our undersized D-linemen. Heisman winning Troy Smith, play-makers Ted Ginn Jr. and Gonzalez were going to have a field day and those two powerful backs were going to run at will. Hell, we didn't even deserve to be in the game. Ohio State and Michigan were clearly the two best teams right? The deal is that we are a very similar team defensively, with a much more potent offense at virtually every position. You just don't understand how good this team is. Oh well: BIO!


LOL! We just had the most increidble offense in the modern history of college football and you're telling us we don't understand how good your offense is. It's a cute, quirky offense with some playmakers. We respect you. We don't fear you. If we gameplan like I think we do, we sell out to stop the run and the edges and we make Tebow beat us with his arm for 4 quarters. How confident are you that he can do that? I like our chances if we can manage to force him to try.

Let me put this in perspective for you: you know your offense this year? Want to know what we think of it? Think about how you think about the Big 10 this year. That's what we think of your offense. Tough to defend when you execute? You betcha. Athletes everywhere? Damn right! Can it burn you if you're not careful? Yup. But, honestly, it's a bit pedestrian. It's stoppable by a defense that hits assignments all game. Our offense is literally only stoppable by ourselves.

Poor Florida never gets any respect, right? Awww, disrespected little guys. You're favored by 3 fer Chris'sakes, and you're ranked behind us! What more do you want? You're asking the opposing team's fanbase to actually believe your team is better than our team? Not even St. Tebow could cause such a change of heart in the Sooner Faithful.

BIO.

[SoonersEnFuego]

6. Oklahoma's special teams are better than they get credit for being
The kickoff coverage team has been abysmal, allowing 24.05 yards per attempt and four touchdowns, most by anyone in the nation, and Florida's Brandon James is a special return man. However, OU's special teams aren't all that bad. The kickoff returners are averaging over 25 yards per try, the punt returners are fine, even though they could be better, and freshman Jimmy Stevens is a solid 8-of-11 on field goals. Florida has an advantage here, but it might not be enough to be the deciding factor.


Eh, Jimmy Stevens is a shaky 8-of-11. I hold my breath every time he gets in there to kick. I have confidence that he can make them, but geez...these sidewinding knucklers are killing me.

[Soonermagik]

IMHO, 5 things must be done for either team to win.

1) Protect the QB
2) Win the turnover battle
3) Defense must show up to play
4) Use the run to setup the pass
5) Special Teams (Little to No Mistakes)

I know these are obvious, but I think they are key to winning.

[rainiersooner]

Hopefully we can use this to our advantage. FYI it's finals week here on campus, but as I was heading to Campus Corner yesterday morning at about 10:30, I got stopped by security guards because about 40 football players had to cross Jenkins. Makes me proud of them to know they are still practicing while the rest of campus is cramming for finals.

As long as Lendy Holmes is in the library, I'm glad they're practicing!!

[soonerfan715]

WOW! I am in shock. Did I really just read a story that didn't tear OU a new one?

[HiFiGator]

Statistically the OU D line is better than the UF D line, look it up. We have more sacks and equivalent TFL numbers. We also have 3 pass rushers in the top 100 sack leaders, UF has 2, one being Dunlap who has a sack or two more than our leader Beal. He's legit, no doubt.

I will, however, grant the argument that teams were playing behind against us and we could pin our ears back. But the same could, for the most part, be said about UF.

I simply took offense at the statement that the D-line was 'decent at best'. When that has been one of the bright points on our much criticized defense. Because, statistically, if our is decent at best, yours is poor at best. I don't think that's the case for either team, however. I think both are deep and have great athletes. Jeremy Beal will give Tebow fits, much in the same way Dunlap will be on Sammy's radar.


Fair comments and assessments.

I guess my point wasn't as much that your lines aren't good. That wasn't my point. My point is that Florida had an unofficial reputation as a finesse team. Even to this day, with dozens of teams running a variation of the spread offense, there is an underlying impression that traditional offenses, whether they be a two back power running offense or a pro-style passing offense, are more "power." There is almost a hint of the suggestion that spread offenses are "gimicky." As such, the lines of scrimmage don't get their just credit. Both of our lines are absolutely awesome. They are talented and deep and the offensive unit is incredibly experienced as well. Again I point to the Bama game. They had run rough shod over basically everyone they played. Even in their close games, their running attack controled the clock and the game. The pundits predicted more of the same against us and even though we were favored to win, it was supposed to be by an explosive offense and predominantly because of our advantage at the skill positions. My point is that our offensive line IS in fact, a power offensive line. The unorthodoxed scheme doesn't as readily point that out, but it's true nonetheless. We will have to wait until Jan. 8th to find out, but I contend that the Gator offensive line is the best that the Sooners have faced all year. They really are that damn good. The D-Line is as good as any, except possibly Texas. (No slight to TCU, but their athletes just can't compare to Florida or Oklahoma.)

Getting back to the statistics, I didn't finish the thought. There are several reasons why sacks might be inflated. As you suggest, the ability to mostly disregard the run because of the other team's being behind, certainly does lead to more sacks. Additionally, simply having more passing plays leads to more passes, completions and yes, sacks. But in addition to that, the style of play in Big 12 football is entirely different. In a sense, it is like playing an up tempo basketball game. You simply can't compare absolute stats from players for a team like Loyola Marymount or even Texas to those from Georgetown for example. That says nothing about the quality of either teams' players, but just that the nature of the game will skew numbers one way or another. Games that finish 62-28 are inherently different than those that finish 38-10. That was really what I was trying to get across. Again, that takes nothing away from what your team has done, but I think that our guys are at least as good on the defensive line and better on offense.

[BornandBred]

5) Special Teams (Little to No Mistakes)

If we kicked it out of bounds every time, I'd be just fine. We did a pretty good job of mixing up kickoff types, squib, floater, deep, against TTech. I'm hoping we can duplicate that for this game. Any single kick return TD can be a game changer. And if special teams swings the game at all, I suspect it will be AGAINST us.

And as far as Murray returning kicks.. I'm a fan of letting the best play. But, honestly, I'd rather see Broyles out there, I think he's at least as elusive.

[HiFiGator]

LOL! We just had the most increidble offense in the modern history of college football and you're telling us we don't understand how good your offense is. It's a cute, quirky offense with some playmakers. We respect you. We don't fear you. If we gameplan like I think we do, we sell out to stop the run and the edges and we make Tebow beat us with his arm for 4 quarters. How confident are you that he can do that? I like our chances if we can manage to force him to try.

Let me put this in perspective for you: you know your offense this year? Want to know what we think of it? Think about how you think about the Big 10 this year. That's what we think of your offense. Tough to defend when you execute? You betcha. Athletes everywhere? Damn right! Can it burn you if you're not careful? Yup. But, honestly, it's a bit pedestrian. It's stoppable by a defense that hits assignments all game. Our offense is literally only stoppable by ourselves.

Poor Florida never gets any respect, right? Awww, disrespected little guys. You're favored by 3 fer Chris'sakes, and you're ranked behind us! What more do you want? You're asking the opposing team's fanbase to actually believe your team is better than our team? Not even St. Tebow could cause such a change of heart in the Sooner Faithful.

BIO.



I never said that we don't get any respect. You must have me confused with Rodney Dangerfield. What I was saying however, was that our lines of scrimmage are not getting the credit that they deserve. Offensively, our line is the best that you have faced for sure, if not the best in the Country. Defensively, we have been nicked up, but look to be fully healthy come January. While I am not going to say that our D-line is the best in the land, it is right there in the same category as any units that a team can line up out there. Remember, 2 years ago our D-line was really only considered to have 1 true playmaker and future NFL player in Marcus Thomas. Thanks to his interests in that mind altering, short-term memory loss-inducing plant, his playing time vanished and was ultimately dismissed from the team. But under the guidance of our coaches, guys like Ray MacDonald, Jarvis Moss and Derrick Harvey developed into college studs and NFL players making 7 figures. Last year we had more than our share of growing pains, having lost 9 starters and 2 reserves to the NFL. Yes, that's right. 11 defensive players form our National Championship team 2 years ago were on NFL rosters last year. Obviously we were very young and inexperienced. That's not the case anymore. We are loaded across the defensive front as well, and for the first time all year look to be totally healthy in our 3 deep. It's going to be a long night for your vaunted lines of scrimmage.

[BornandBred]

Fair comments and assessments.

I guess my point wasn't as much that your lines aren't good. That wasn't my point. My point is that Florida had an unofficial reputation as a finesse team. Even to this day, with dozens of teams running a variation of the spread offense, there is an underlying impression that traditional offenses, whether they be a two back power running offense or a pro-style passing offense, are more "power." There is almost a hint of the suggestion that spread offenses are "gimicky." As such, the lines of scrimmage don't get their just credit. Both of our lines are absolutely awesome. They are talented and deep and the offensive unit is incredibly experienced as well. Again I point to the Bama game. They had run rough shod over basically everyone they played. Even in their close games, their running attack controled the clock and the game. The pundits predicted more of the same against us and even though we were favored to win, it was supposed to be by an explosive offense and predominantly because of our advantage at the skill positions. My point is that our offensive line IS in fact, a power offensive line. The unorthodoxed scheme doesn't as readily point that out, but it's true nonetheless. We will have to wait until Jan. 8th to find out, but I contend that the Gator offensive line is the best that the Sooners have faced all year. They really are that damn good. The D-Line is as good as any, except possibly Texas. (No slight to TCU, but their athletes just can't compare to Florida or Oklahoma.)

Getting back to the statistics, I didn't finish the thought. There are several reasons why sacks might be inflated. As you suggest, the ability to mostly disregard the run because of the other team's being behind, certainly does lead to more sacks. Additionally, simply having more passing plays leads to more passes, completions and yes, sacks. But in addition to that, the style of play in Big 12 football is entirely different. In a sense, it is like playing an up tempo basketball game. You simply can't compare absolute stats from players for a team like Loyola Marymount or even Texas to those from Georgetown for example. That says nothing about the quality of either teams' players, but just that the nature of the game will skew numbers one way or another. Games that finish 62-28 are inherently different than those that finish 38-10. That was really what I was trying to get across. Again, that takes nothing away from what your team has done, but I think that our guys are at least as good on the defensive line and better on offense.

I totally understand about the power game getting overlooked because of the passing threat. Look at our offense. In my estimation, the main reason we lost the OU/UT game was our inability to get our run game together. I believe that was largely the O-lines fault. They were great at pass protection, but mediocre at run blocking. The guys on the line heard all about that in the following days, and have since stepped it up. With all that Bradford has done this year, we still have two 1000 yard rushers, and a third with just under 500. I know all about the run opening up the pass and vice versa, but we can pound the ball when we need to. Balance has been the key to our offensive success, but even one dimensional we can still put up huge numbers.

Again, to me the key to this game will be the lines. I can't wait for this thing to go down. I hope both teams show up with their A games, and leave nothing to be questioned later.

[HiFiGator]

I am getting off work now, but it has been fun enlightening you all. I hope you found my words of wisdom enriching.

[Knippz]

I never said that we don't get any respect. You must have me confused with Rodney Dangerfield. What I was saying however, was that our lines of scrimmage are not getting the credit that they deserve. Offensively, our line is the best that you have faced for sure, if not the best in the Country. Defensively, we have been nicked up, but look to be fully healthy come January. While I am not going to say that our D-line is the best in the land, it is right there in the same category as any units that a team can line up out there. Remember, 2 years ago our D-line was really only considered to have 1 true playmaker and future NFL player in Marcus Thomas. Thanks to his interests in that mind altering, short-term memory loss-inducing plant, his playing time vanished and was ultimately dismissed from the team. But under the guidance of our coaches, guys like Ray MacDonald, Jarvis Moss and Derrick Harvey developed into college studs and NFL players making 7 figures. Last year we had more than our share of growing pains, having lost 9 starters and 2 reserves to the NFL. Yes, that's right. 11 defensive players form our National Championship team 2 years ago were on NFL rosters last year. Obviously we were very young and inexperienced. That's not the case anymore. We are loaded across the defensive front as well, and for the first time all year look to be totally healthy in our 3 deep. It's going to be a long night for your vaunted lines of scrimmage.

I would read some of your posts if they were shorter, or if you used more line breaks.

Sorry man, but some of them are just ridiculous.